As a patent holder, it is important to put protections in place to protect your inventions. An appropriately drafted and registered patent can do this.
That alone is not enough, though. You must also remain vigilant in case anyone should try to infringe on your patent. They might do so intentionally, with full knowledge that you hold the rights, or they might inadvertently cross a line they do not fully understand. Either way, no one has the right to infringe on your patent rights.
Here are the two possible ways someone might infringe upon your patent:
1. Direct infringement
Depending upon your patent, certain right will be protected. For example, let’s say the patent concerns a piece of technology for use in cars. If someone else were to start making or selling that same piece or something a little too similar, they could be infringing upon your patent. Provided of course your patent covers the activity they engaged in
2. Indirect infringement
Several people may have contributed to the eventual infringement. Anyone who induced others to infringe the patent could potentially held liable. As could someone who made the infringement possible, say by supplying an exclusive part needed for your product to the firm that wanted to copy it.
Patent law is complex and there is often a considerable amount of money at stake – which is precisely why someone might want to copy your product. Trying to navigate it alone could prove costly if you get it wrong. Working with a legal team with experience in patent law is the best way to improve your chances of getting the outcome you deserve if an infringement should occur.
